News & Updates

Save a monarch, plant a (native) milkweed!

By now, you may have seen the recent article stating alarming news about the beloved monarch butterfly population. Many gardeners in Florida enjoy planting for butterflies, observing the unique lifecycle of butterflies, and adding colorful flowers to their gardens. Milkweed is a critical plant for monarchs as it is their food source. If you have grown milkweed,…

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Foodborne Illness: More common than you think

Turmeric plant in bloom. Have you ever had a foodborne illness? Would you know if you had? Foodborne illness symptoms can mimic the flu, with upset stomach, fever and diarrhea as common issues. So, it’s important to note that we are all vulnerable and anyone can be a victim of a food pathogen. In fact, the…

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No Mow Lawns in Florida

Turmeric plant in bloom. Are you tired of mowing your yard, applying fertilizers and fighting turfgrass pests and diseases? Many Central Florida residents are seeking more sustainable, low maintenance yards. Lawns planted with turfgrass can be a lot of maintenance, with high inputs of fertilizer and water. Instead of a traditional turfgrass lawn, consider replacing all…

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Passionflowers for Central Florida

Turmeric plant in bloom. There is a passionflower for every Central Florida yard; they attract butterflies, some have showy flowers, and some types even have edible fruit! Most passionflowers are vines. Compact species can be planted in small yards to take advantage of vertical growing space, while other species that tend to sprawl can be used…

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Passionflowers for Central Florida

Turmeric plant in bloom. There is a passionflower for every Central Florida yard; they attract butterflies, some have showy flowers, and some types even have edible fruit! Most passionflowers are vines. Compact species can be planted in small yards to take advantage of vertical growing space, while other species that tend to sprawl can be used…

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Gingers for Your Central Florida Garden

Turmeric plant in bloom. Cultivated as food and medicine for thousands of years, ginger, turmeric and galangal are members of the ginger family that are both ornamental and edible. They are prized worldwide for their edible, underground, tuber-like rhizomes. They are key ingredients in many cultures’ cuisines and are also high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory…

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Landscape with Loquats

A Loquat tree is a must-have for every Florida edible landscape. This gorgeous evergreen tree is also low-maintenance compared to other fruit trees. Fruit from any Loquat is edible, but for good-tasting, high quality fruit, select a variety of Japanese Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) that is bred for its edible fruit. Loquat varieties have a wide…

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UF scientists use AI to uncover signs of early decay in produce

UF researchers are leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle the global problem of food waste. The scientists analyzed how chemical changes in aging broccoli correspond with visual data picked up by a highly sensitive camera called a hyperspectral camera. The researchers hope to use these insights to develop a device that can scan produce for freshness.…

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What does the new definition of One Health means?

At the end of May 2021, the One Health High-Level Expert Panel was launched with the support of the governments of France and Germany. This panel has an advisory role to state members of the United Nations (UN) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and it includes 26 selected key international experts from 24 countries. The…

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Restaurant Customers value sustainability in seafood and are willing to pay more for it, UF Researchers say.

Highlights Consumers prefer seafood entrees more transparent information at casual and fine dining restaurants. Country of origin was unimportant, showing customer choices at restaurants differ from those made at grocery stores. Consumers prioritized sustainability and would pay more for less expensive species if they were sourced sustainably. UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics (FRE) postdoctoral associate…

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AI helps detect watermelon disease quickly, accurately

If you savor a juicy watermelon in the scorching summer heat, Florida farmers toil to meet your tastes. The Sunshine State leads the nation in watermelon production. But, like all farmers, those who produce watermelons seek ways to control diseases, so they don’t lose all or part of their crops. The needs of growers drive Yiannis…

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